When it had been successfully hived and the girls drew a long breath once more, Bill cracked his hands together in token of congratulation for himself.
"That's th' neatest job I ever did on bees! Not a single mishap, and th' queen in that as happy as can be!"
The hive was very carefully taken to the buck-board and two of the girls jumped up in the back to steady it on the way to camp, for Bill said it must not be jostled in the least.
The hive was placed just below the Bluff where the sun shone warmly upon it, and the rocks sheltered it from storms. The mass of honey taken from the hollow tree was placed in the pan and carried back, the other two girls and Miss Miller taking turns in carrying it.
A new interest thus created made the next week fly on wings, and the Band found to their chagrin and deep concern that September was fast approaching when they must break camp and return to the city.
"Oh, Miss Miller I shall never be able to breathe indoors again!" wailed Zan.
"And to think of wearing corsets and heeled shoes again! Oh, girls, what shall we do after this freedom!" added Jane, woefully.
"Oh, Miss Miller! do you remember the day we took our coup for the walking within the hour—how Nita had to sit down and take off her high-heeled slippers, rub her feet and go back in the wagon with you!" and Elena laughed at the memory.
"It wasn't so funny that day, Elena, but I've learned lots of things since then, and won a walking coup, too!" laughed Nita.
"And I noticed that you never wore those high-heeled slippers again!" added Zan.